Mont. Theater Sorry For Critical Palin Reference

MISSOULA, Mont. (AP) - A Montana theater group has apologized for updating Gilbert and Sullivan's comedic opera "The Mikado" by having the character of Ko-Ko, the Lord High Executioner, list Sarah Palin among people who would not be missed.

MCT Community Theatre executive director Michael McGill told the Missoulian, "Oh man, we made a mistake."

The issue was raised Friday in a letter to the Missoulian from Rory Page, of Clinton, who said he was offended by the reference, especially in light of the shooting of Democratic Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, of Arizona.

Several bloggers criticized MCT. However, director Curt Olds and others noted the pacifist executioner's target list is often updated to make it relevant. Olds says Palin was added because she is one of the most well-known people in the country.

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Information from: Missoulian, http://www.missoulian.com